Kitniyot

Kitniyot (Hebrew: קִטְנִיּוֹת‎, qitniyyot) is a Hebrew term that, in Jewish law, refers to certain types of grains and legumes. The classification of kitniyot is significant during the Jewish holiday of Passover, when the consumption of chametz (leavened products) is forbidden.

Etymology

The term "kitniyot" is derived from the Hebrew word "katan," which means small. This refers to the small size of the grains and legumes that are classified as kitniyot.

Classification

The classification of kitniyot includes a variety of grains and legumes. These include, but are not limited to, rice, corn, lentils, peas, and beans. Some authorities also include products derived from these items, such as oils and derivatives like corn syrup.

Historical Background

The custom of abstaining from kitniyot during Passover originated in Ashkenazi Jewish communities in the Middle Ages. The exact reason for this custom is unclear, but several explanations have been proposed. One theory is that kitniyot were avoided because they can be ground into flour and used to make bread, which could be confused with chametz. Another theory is that kitniyot fields were often adjacent to chametz fields, and there was a concern that chametz grains could get mixed in with the kitniyot.

Contemporary Practice

In contemporary practice, the observance of the kitniyot prohibition varies. Ashkenazi Jews traditionally abstain from eating kitniyot during Passover, while Sephardic Jews typically do not. However, in recent years, some Ashkenazi authorities have ruled that it is permissible to eat kitniyot during Passover, leading to a shift in practice among some communities.

See Also

• Passover
• Chametz
• Ashkenazi Jews
• Sephardic Jews